CHESHIRE County League's main sponsors have stepped down after filling the role for three times longer than originally intended.

Chartered accountants Murray Smith have withdrawn after nine years - leaving officials of the league, which includes Widnes in its Premier Division, to seek new backers for 2006.

The Northwich-based company's senior partner Roy Ramsbottom, who is also chairman of ECB Premier League champions Oulton Park, said: 'In 1996, we originally intended to sponsor the league for a three-year period, but our association became so successful that continued for six more.

'We have thoroughly enjoyed sponsoring the league and believe that cricket in Cheshire has become more competitive and has benefited in many other ways.'

The league has formed a sub-committee to pursue new sources of sponsorship and if any company or organisation in Cheshire wishes to link up with the county's premier cricket league, they can contact Garry Hambleton tel 0161 485 8852; chairman David Humpage, tel 0161 4321 4670 or Mike Talbot-Butler, tel 01606 883715.